COLORADO, one of the Mountain states of
the U.S., bounded on the N by Wyoming and Nebraska, on the E by Nebraska and
Kansas, on the S by Oklahoma and New Mexico, and on the W by Utah. The Rocky
Mts. extend across the center of the state from N to S.
Colorado
entered the Union on Aug. 1, 1876, as the 38th state. Long known for its
mineral resources and livestock ranching, Colorado by the 1990s had a
diversified economy with substantial light-industrial development and a growing
tourist industry based on its scenic and recreational attractions. The name of
the state is taken from the Colorado R., which was named by Spanish explorers
and means "reddish colored." Colorado is called the Centennial State.
The plains of the E part of Colorado have a natural cover of short
grasses, such as grama and buffalo grass. In the mountainous regions, at
elevations above about 1830 m (about 6000 ft), are coniferous forests.
Principal species include ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and Engelmann spruce;
also found here are birch, alder, and quaking aspen. The mesas of the W slope
have woodlands of piñon and juniper. Commercial timberland, however,
covers only about 21% of the total land area. At elevations above the
timberline (about 3505 m/11,500 ft) is found an alpine, or tundra, vegetation
of grasses and sedges. Common wild flowers include Indian paintbrush, larkspur,
columbine, mariposa lily, and pasqueflower.
Wildlife is varied because of the
diversity of habitats. Found on the plains and in adjacent foothills are
pronghorn antelope, coyote, prairie dog, fox, jackrabbit, badger, and prairie
rattlesnake. Bird life includes pheasant, hawk, and migrating waterfowl. In the
mountains and plateaus of the W are wapiti, black bear, mountain lion, beaver,
coyote, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat, as well as the eagle and sage grouse.
Trout, salmon, and whitefish are in lakes and streams here. |
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